Interleukin 18 in the CNS

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Interleukin (IL)-18 is a cytokine isolated as an important modulator of immune responses and subsequently shown to be pleiotropic. IL-18 and its receptors are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) where they participate in neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerat...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sugama Shuei, Cervia Davide, Alboni Silvia, Conti Bruno
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2010-01-01
Series:Journal of Neuroinflammation
Online Access:http://www.jneuroinflammation.com/content/7/1/9
Description
Summary:<p>Abstract</p> <p>Interleukin (IL)-18 is a cytokine isolated as an important modulator of immune responses and subsequently shown to be pleiotropic. IL-18 and its receptors are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) where they participate in neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative processes but also influence homeostasis and behavior. Work on IL-18 null mice, the localization of the IL-18 receptor complex in neurons and the neuronal expression of decoy isoforms of the receptor subunits are beginning to reveal the complexity and the significance of the IL-18 system in the CNS. This review summarizes current knowledge on the central role of IL-18 in health and disease.</p>
ISSN:1742-2094